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8 yoga poses for a stronger core

man doing tree pose
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When you think “core” you probably think abs. But you may be surprised to learn that your core is your entire body—from your neck down to your pelvis, minus your arms and legs. A strong core isn’t just essential for holding in your tummy. It stabilizes the central part of your body where all movement begins. Strong back muscles protect your back from injury. TonedShow More

yoga, EASY POSE (SUKHASANA)
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Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

This pose looks effortless, but sitting with your spine lifted takes core strength – and yours will improve as you practice. Starting with Easy Pose also helps you relax and let the worries of the day drift away.

How to do it: Sit up straight on the floor or a mat with your legs crossed in front ofShow More

BOAT POSE (ARDHA NAVASANA), yoga
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Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana)

Strengthen your abs and spine for better posture with this pose.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with legs stretched straight in front of you. Lean back and place your hands on the floor slightly behind your hips, arms straight and fingers pointed forward. Exhale, bend your knees and lift your feet.Show More

TWO KNEE SPINAL TWIST POSE VARIATION (SUPTA MATSYENDRASANA), yoga
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Two Knee Spinal Twist Pose Variation (Supta Matsyendrasana)

Instead of lowering your knees to the floor in the classic Two Knee Spinal Twist, you’ll leave them lifted, giving your obliques a good workout.

How to do it: Lie on the floor or a mat. Lift both feet and bend your knees. Your shins should be parallel to the floor. Open your arms to the side, palmsShow More

yoga, DOLPHIN (MAKARA ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA) AND PLANK (KUMBHAKASANA
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Dolphin (Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Plank (Kumbhakasana)

Plank Poses can’t be beaten when it comes to strengthening your middle. 

How to do it: Dolphin Pose (top photo): Start in Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). Inhale, then lower your forearms to the ground one at a time, engaging your abs and glutes. Push your heels back. Hold theShow More

YOGIC BICYCLES, yoga
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Yogic Bicycles

The slow, side-to-side movement of the yogic bicycle works your obliques, which run along the sides of your abs. Be sure to keep your upper back lifted as you cycle from side to side.

How to do it: Lie on your back and draw your knees towards your chest. Interlace your fingers and place them behindShow More

CAT POSE VARIATION (MARJARYASANA), yoga
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Cat Pose Variation (Marjaryasana)

This Cat Pose variation not only helps whittle your middle, rounding your back gives your torso a good stretch and gently massages your spine.

How to do it: Come onto your hands and knees into a tabletop position, arms about shoulder-width apart. Inhale, then extend your right arm straight aheadShow More

yoga, SIDE PLANK POSE (VASISTHASANA)
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Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana)

This pose may be challenging to hold at first, but your confidence will grow as your muscles become stronger.

How to do it: Begin in Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). Turn to the right, stacking your legs on top of one another. Engage your abs and glutes to lift your torso. Firm theShow More

yoga, MOUNTAIN POSE (TADASANA)
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Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

End the sequence with Mountain Pose, a standing pose that, like its name, reflects the strength you’re building. Standing tall like a mountain also improves your posture.

How to do it: Stand with your feet about a foot apart. Hold your arms a few inches from your sides, fingers spread wide. GentlyShow More

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